One application of the rig tong is to use to make up connection. The question is asked about how to get the right torque value to the connection if you use the rig tong because you will not see the torque value on the gauge.

This article will describe how to determine the correct force applied to get the correct torque value when you use the rig tong to make up the connection.

This formula below is used to determine torque value.

Torque = Force x Length of the tong

Where;

Torque in ft-lb

Force in lb

Length of the tong in ft

Force is perpendicular to the tong length. The illustration below demonstrates the direction of force.

Example: Connection 4-1/2” IF – required make up torque = 30,700 ft-lb.

Tong length is 4 ft

How much pulling force do you require to achieve the required make up torque?

Torque = Force x Length of the tong

Re arrange the equation:

Force = Torque ÷ Length of the tong

Force = 30,700 ÷ 4.0

Force = 7,675 lb

Ans: 7,675 lb pulling force is applied to 4-ft tong in order to get the torque at connection at 30,700 ft-lb.

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